Pyruvate Decarboxylase (PDC) exists in yeast mainly, which is one of the key enzymes in ethanol
fermentation. PDC catalyzes pyruvate decarboxylation to form acetaldehyde. Ethanol dehydrogenase
(ADH) is added to further catalyze the reduction of acetaldehyde by NADH to produce ethanol and NAD+.
+
NADH has a absorbance at 340 nm but NAD not, the activity of PDC can be calculated by measuring
decrease rate of absorption at 340 nm.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided:
Spectrophotometer, water-bath, desk centrifuge, adjustable pipette, 1 mL quartz cuvette, mortar/
homogenizer, ice and distilled water.